Dental Implants

Dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement. That’s for a number of reasons. One is that they’re so versatile in that they can replace single teeth or multiple teeth. You can even use them to replace an entire arch of porcelain teeth or secure your dentures (All-on-4® treatment concept). Another reason is how highly successful they are. They’ve been in use for over 30 years now in dentistry, and they have a wonderful, predictable treatment path that is surprisingly easy for the patient.

A dental implant is versatile and can replace single teeth, multiple teeth, an arch of teeth, or secure dentures. The dental implant process involves a simple treatment plan and an easy patient experience, sometimes even requiring less numbing than needed for a filling. Partial dentures can abuse surrounding teeth, whereas dental implants do not require other teeth to properly restore a missing or lost tooth. Dental implants improve chewing capability, restore the comfort, and enhance the smile.

If you lose a tooth or are missing a tooth resulting in a gap between your teeth, your remaining teeth, jaw, and bite will become unstable. Dental implants replace missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth/teeth.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are an ideal treatment option for most healthy people. In most cases, dental implants are a better option than a bridge.

What are the advantages to dental implants?

There are several advantages to choosing dental implant treatment. First, the tooth implant replaces the whole missing tooth (crown and root). Because the root of the tooth is restored, the bone supporting the implant remains healthy and strong. Left without a root or implant, the bone will resorb (atrophy) away leaving a defect in the jaw.

Another advantage of dental implants over a bridge is that the teeth next to the implant do not require any work/drilling. When we use a bridge to replace missing teeth, we have to file the teeth on either side of the space. A great advantage of implants is that once they settle in, they rarely fail. You may need to replace your implant abutment or implant crown after a long while, but it is extremely rare to ever need to replace the entire tooth implant system.

From the patient’s perspective, an implant looks and acts just like a normal tooth. You can floss it just like a tooth, and it looks and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures available in dentistry today.

Like all things in life, dentistry is subject to wear and tear. We use our mouths constantly every day and so, nothing lasts forever. But implants are about as close as we’ve gotten in dentistry. If you take care of it, we don’t give an expiration date on how long an implant is going to last because truly, they may last you a lifetime. So it really has become the dentistry of the future. It has so many indications. So come in and let’s chat about it. Even if you know you need to have a tooth taken out or you’ve been missing teeth for years, come in. Let’s chat. Let’s figure out if something can be done to help you improve the quality of your life, your chewing capability, and restore the comfort and smile that you deserve.

What are the disadvantages to dental implants?

One drawback to dental implant treatment is that the process takes time. From start to finish, the process can be 4 to 8 months. After the dental implant is initially placed, it has to integrate into the bone. After the dental implant integrates, the final tooth may be completed in 2 to 3 weeks.

Another possible drawback to dental implant treatment is mastering the aesthetics of the restoration. Trying to match an implant tooth to blend in with the natural teeth can be difficult. At floss in La Jolla, we have the skill and knowledge to recognize any potential functional or aesthetic drawbacks BEFORE you start your case. We help you understand whether or not you are an excellent candidate to receive a dental implant — and what your aesthetic outcome will be using implants, as well as other restorative options.

Another consideration when choosing dental implant treatment, is the fact that placing the implant requires surgery. For most cases the surgery is minor, and you may have to undergo IV sedation in order to have the dental implant placed.

To learn more about your dental implant options, schedule an appointment to talk to our team at floss in La Jolla.

Surgical Implants and Prosthetic Restorations

If you have missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort.

When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older.

Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth, and if properly maintained, can last a lifetime! Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

Floss offers solutions focused on predictability, reduced risk and enhanced outcomes. Using computerized tomography and 3-D imaging, before surgery, we plan the placement of dental implants with precision in three dimensions.

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

Improved Appearance – Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.

Improved Speech – With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.

Improved Comfort – Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

Easier Eating – Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved Self-esteem – Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.

Improved Oral Health – Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

Durability – Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Convenience – Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Floss offers IV sedation to eliminate anxiety and pain during dental implant placement. Many individuals resist getting implants because they are scared of pain. Plain and simple, IV sedation eliminates this problem.

floss takes a genuinely unique approach to dentistry.

We believe that most people make the best decisions when given all the facts. We meticulously present all the facts in a clear, understandable, and visual manner and allow the client to determine how to proceed with treatment most appropriate to them. There is no rush and no push.